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BITE user comments - ed.spbw

Comments by ed.spbw

The Chesham Arms, Homerton

Excellent pub - just voted Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW) London Pub of the Year. Genuine free house with nice range of very well kept beers. Tucked away in a back street off Homerton High Street but well worth seeking out.

3 Nov 2016 21:42

The Adam and Eve, Homerton

Potentially a decent pub but one that insults its customers by making them drink in the dark. I had to use my phone to see what was on the pump clips! I therefore strongly advise a daylight visit unless you are blessed with excellent night vision. What exactly is wrong with having lighting in a pub?

11 Feb 2016 20:44

The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill

Congratulations to the BHT - SPBW London Pub of the Year 2015. Con and his staff give you a real welcome and the beers are always excellent.

11 Dec 2014 14:18

The Kings Arms, Bethnal Green

Newly refurbished and reopened as sister pub to the Earl of Essex in Islington. 6 or 7 handpumped beers from obscure breweries plus about 12 craft/keg fonts. No pump clips, beer range displayed on the wall. Not aimed at your average Bethnal Green resident but a good addition to the pub scene. One major gripe - it's too dimly lit. Why do we have to sit in the virtual dark to drink?

4 Feb 2014 14:09

The Eleanor Arms, Bow

Just voted SPBW pub of the year. Great community pub with top class staff and beer.

24 Oct 2013 19:34

The Eleanor Arms, Bow

Must be the best pub in E3. Frankie the most genial of mine hosts, great repartee from the regulars at the bar but all (decent) new faces made welcome. A genuine community pub with really well kept beers.

26 Sep 2013 22:12

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Congratulations to Scotty and co: Ye Olde Mitre has been voted London Pub of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW - 50 years old this year!) Presentation will be on 28 January.

17 Jan 2013 10:13

The Ship, Gidea Park

Although I have local roots paid my first visit for 30 or so years today. 5 beers on, nothing unusual but all well kept and it shows they care. Has to be the best bet in the area.

1 Dec 2012 21:27

The Cross Keys, Thame

Superb community pub, ideal for conversation while sampling from the wide range of well kept ales. Run by a very friendly couple, highly recommended. Only a pity no Thame beers (brewed in the pub garage!) available on my visit.

4 Nov 2012 19:44

The Craft Beer Co, City of London

Really well run pub; Tom the manager and his staff know what the beers are and can guide the unwary! Today loads of Ilkley beers, no bad thing and overall a good range from low gravity to 7%+.

18 Oct 2012 20:01

The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill

Excellent community pub, very well run, highly efficient staff. Beer's top class as well, Hophead most of all.

13 Oct 2012 18:53

The Craft Beer Co, City of London

One of my fave pubs for its range of ales and knowledgeable and helpful staff. Best to get there 'off peak' to appreciate it best.

27 Sep 2012 19:29

The Cock Tavern, Hackney

Was here Monday evening and tried all the house beers. Green Bullet was superb, one of the best beers I've tried for some time - lovely hoppy 4.2% pale ale. Far less crowded than the Pembury on the night but I suspect that may change.

27 Sep 2012 19:24

The Sussex Arms, Twickenham

Paid my first yesterday. Highly impressed - great range of beers, keen, efficient and friendly staff - pity it's such a long haul from where I live!

27 Sep 2012 19:21

The Castle, Holborn

Interesting range of beers. The barmaid was dubious whether one I ordered was ok - it wasn't and immediately she turned the clip round and offered me another. Good policy, good pub, small but recommended.

27 Sep 2012 19:15

The Old Fountain, Old Street

The OF seems to be showcasing Fyne Ales from Argyllshire - and very fine they are too. Ales always in top condition with good service.

17 Jul 2012 22:38

Tweedies Bar at Dale Lodge Hotel, Grasmere

Always a pleasure to visit here. Excellent range of well-kept, mostly Cumbrian ales. Good place to rest your weary body after a good hike.

17 Jul 2012 22:36

The Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater

Paid my annual visit earlier this month. Beer and food truly excellent, the best meal I've had for ages! Not to be missed.

17 Jul 2012 22:34

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

The Wenlock is open again as from today (10.04) same beer policy in fact much the same as ever. There will be some refurbishment - new kitchen etc - but no major changes.

10 Apr 2012 20:07

The Bow Bells, Bow

New regime trying to get better draught beers on. It's a good pub, give it a chance.

30 Oct 2011 20:07

The Royal Oak, Borough

The Royal Oak is once again SPBW London Pub of the Year. Top notch beer and food, great service, no music or tv to distract from conversation - ideal!

27 Oct 2011 17:18

The Craft Beer Co, City of London

I've visited 3 times now and I like this pub. It's not perfect - I'm not sure about the high tables - but I've found the staff friendly and helpful and the beers have been top class - quality as well as quantity. You can't go far wrong with dark Star and Thornbridge as staples. Oh, and it's not cheap either but you pay for what you want. That's the real ales, the 'craft beers' are mind-bogglingly expensive! But try it and see for yourself.

4 Aug 2011 21:32

The Square and Compasses, Fairstead

A bit foody but friendy pub. Nethergate and Hammerpot beers direct from the cask.

11 Jun 2011 20:41

Vine Inn, Black Notley

Visited here today (Saturday) at 12.30. There were only two other customers and no one behind the bar. After waiting a few minutes I gave up and left. No wonder pubs are closing!

11 Jun 2011 20:39

The Old Fountain, Old Street

Excellent showcase of London brewers (+ Windsor & Eton!) all this week.This pub is always well worth a visit.

10 May 2011 20:45

The Harp, Covent Garden

You won't find many pubs with better service than the Harp. And the beer range is better than ever! A worthy winner - congrats to Binnie and her wonderful staff.

16 Feb 2011 11:58

The Royal Oak, Borough

Frank and John are still in charge for the foreseeable future. Standards of beer, food and service remain as high as ever.

15 Jan 2011 10:23

Ye Old Mitre, Holborn

Let me say that Scotty, mine host in YOM, is one of the best in his profession. I only visit every few months but he always gives me a good welcome and my impression that he cares very much about his customers, regulars and first timers alike. The Mitre is a pub of great character that serves a good range of draught ales (not just Fullers) with excellent service.

14 Dec 2010 22:51

The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

The current lack of Taylor's beers is due to a dispute with their (now ex-) suppliers. Becky is hoping to get normal service restored. I called in on Tuesday and there were 7 beers on from small south east breweries, mostly session bitters. Very nice too.

28 Oct 2010 20:13

The Dog and Bell, Deptford

The Dog & Bell has been voted best pub in London by SPBW for the 4th time in 10 years - quite an accolade and a tribute to Charlie and Eileen who know how to do things properly. I enjoyed Dark Star Hophead today as well as Whitstable Bohemian Lager, both served in immaculate condition.

21 Oct 2010 19:24

The Bull, Horton Kirby

Just about everything a pub should be. Good banter among the locals but I was made to feel welcome on my first visit. Excellent beer range including two from both Dark Star and Brew Dog and a superb Thornbridge IPA. Definitely worth the 4 mile walk from Dartford.

26 Sep 2010 15:04

The Eleanor Arms, Bow

Just enjoyed a session in the Eleanor - guvnor + wife and daughter were really friendly and welcoming and the draught beers were very well kept. A real traditional local in the best sense, very highly recommended.

12 Sep 2010 20:29

The Sun Inn, Bethnal Green

Called in this afternoon, intrigued by comments here. I suspect this is the best pub in Bethnal Green Road (like Leyton Orient is best football club in E10). Doom Bar (highly overrated) (�3.30) and Waggle Dance only draught beers. Barman was friendly, pub was plain and comfy, but couldn't see any obvious reason to return in a hurry.

28 Jul 2010 16:27

The Royal Oak, Borough

Bad news is that Frank & John's days here are numbered thanks to someone's bright idea at the brewery. It'll be a hard act to follow for a new tenant after 12 years. Beer quality last night was superb. Please, Harveys, don't let any second raters in to spoil such a good thing.

13 Jul 2010 19:11

Dog and Gun, Keswick

Easily the best pub in Keswick for draught beer. The local brewery is well represented and most of the other beers are Cumbrian. Good bunch of people behind the bar and an entertaining Thursday night quiz.

11 Jul 2010 15:20

Packhorse Inn, Keswick

This used to be one of the better pubs in Keswick. But on my last visit here was a shortage of real ale and what was on was not in good form. What's more there seemed to be no desire to remedy the situation. Luckily the Dog & Gun's just across the road! Very disappointing.

11 Jul 2010 15:18

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

As I understand, Will wants to retire from the pub and Steve can't afford to buy him out. Hence the pub is for sale. Any lottery winners out there?

10 Jul 2010 21:28

Tweedies Bar at Dale Lodge Hotel, Grasmere

An excellent place for rest and refreshment after a good walk. Up to 8 real ales with an emphasis on Cumbrian brews, usually kept in good condition. Bar staff are friendly and efficient despite the pub getting very busy at times. One of the best pubs for beer in the Lake District

5 Jul 2010 15:50

The Green Dragon, Croydon

I visited on a Thursday afternoon and it struck me as a pleasant pub with a variety of clientele - some playing pool, some eating, some watching tv. The two young guys behind the bar were friendly and efficient and the two dark Star beers I tried were in good condition and fair priced at �2.70 a pint.

18 Jun 2010 17:28

The Talbot, Leamington Spa

Excellent trad back street local, very handy for the Grand Union Canal, which is how I got there. Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach are regulars alongside 2 guests. All beers at �2.70 which I guess is reasonable value these days. Landlord is a good bloke as well.

29 May 2010 20:22

The Old Fountain, Old Street

Beer festival was going well yesterday - 10 beers on stillage plus the usual 8 handpumped. A very wide and interesting selection indeed!

21 May 2010 20:31

The Old Fountain, Old Street

Called in this afternoon. Usual wide range of beers on and the couple I sampled were fine. Beer festival 20 - 22 May seems to be going ahead. Still a pub worth visiting .

6 May 2010 19:55

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

The Wenlock may lack in some ways - yes a bit more time on the hygiene side may help - but at least it is still a real pub with a diversity of clientele. Calling in today late lunchtime ther was a mixture of smart(ish) office types plus the beer drinking types (like me). The people behind the bar were friendly and helpful and the beer range was excellent in both quality and quantity. Maybe I'm biased - I've been coming here 15 years or so - but I prefer this to any Wetherspoon or most faceless managed houses.

29 Apr 2010 19:53

The Old Fountain, Old Street

So sad that Paul felt obliged to leave. His cellar skills, devotion to good beer, plus his being good company, caused me to while way my time and money here. I hope Jim finds someone with a fraction of his dedication and skill as this has been a must visit for the last 18 months or so.

29 Apr 2010 19:46

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

Congratulations to Steve & Co. The Pembury Tavern has been voted London Pub of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW). Encouraging to see how trade has picked up here since it re-opened.

20 Oct 2009 13:08

The Bree Louise, Euston

I visited twice recently, Sunday afternoon, then Tueday evening. Almost completely different beer range both times which suggests a pretty good turnover! An enterprising choice of ales and high quality as well, by pump or gravity. Good, hard working bar staff and a lively atmosphere - definitely one to visit.

14 Oct 2009 16:53

The Old Fountain, Old Street

The Fountain is obviously rather less basic than the Wenlock but I find it usually has a better beer range these days (apart from lack of mild). Visiting on Thursday I could happily of tried all the beers (well, not too bothered about London Pride) had I been less concerend for my liver and bank balance. All beers in top condition and �2.90 a pint.

19 Sep 2009 15:59

The Bridge, Topsham

Had the pleasure of vivisting on a sunny Sunday lunchtime, sitting outside by the river. A genuine old unspoilt pub, great range of ales straight from the cask and very tasty food. Not to be missed.

19 Sep 2009 15:52

The Old Fountain, Old Street

An excellent selection of draught ales - including three milds during May - plus friendly and helpful bar people makes this a pub well worth seeking out. Twickenham Brewery beers regularly feature as well. Prices still under 3 quid and handy for Old Street tube.

12 May 2009 20:30

The Swan Inn, Stone

Excellent pub, very handy for the canal and town centre. Visited yesterday lunchtime and the beer range was the best I've seen there, including a mild and a few session bitters. Becky behind the bar was friendly and helpful. My only minor gripe was the piped radio 2 but it wasn't over intrusive.

27 Mar 2009 22:05

The Crosse Keys, Bank

I'm hardly a great fan of JDW pubs usually but I'll make an exception for this one. OK it's rather a barn of a place but not withour character. The range of ales is very impressive and I've never had a problem with quality. Also, the staff are rather more efficient - friendly even - than in other pubs in this chain. Maybe having to deal with thirsty bankers keeps them on their toes. When I visited yesterday, all guest ales were 'reduced' to �2.49 with the cheand nasty stuff �1.59.

12 Mar 2009 20:49

The Blue Bell Inn, Kidsgrove

Made a welcome return here last night. Delighted to find it was up to its usual very high standard. A real traditional pub, friendly people behind the bar, excellent range of ales, good atmosphere and conversation. Definitely one of my top five in the country.

26 Nov 2008 22:22

The Dog and Bell, Deptford

Congrats to Charlie & Eileen - the Dog & Bell has just been voted London Pub of the Year by SPBW (Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood), third time in 8 years they've won this prestigious award. A real traditional pub with friendly welcome, efficient service, superb beers (draught and bottled) and good food. Don't miss it.

24 Oct 2008 00:23

The Hanover Arms, Kennington

A few of us popped in this afternoon as a break from cricket at the Oval. The pub seemed pleasant enough and the Adnams bitter was fine, but the whole thing was spoilt by the radio played at an excessive volume. After a polite request the sound was turned down for a while only to be raised again shortly afterwards. There were not a lot of other customers at the time and we quickly established that none of them wanted the radio on. Despite this knowledge and a further polite request the lady behind the bar said that if we don't like it we can go elsewhere. So we did and we won't go back. Why do pubs treat their customers with such contempt? Most definitely not recommended.

18 Sep 2008 20:56

The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

Excellent beer festival of Cumbrian ales. An superb range, served in perfect condition. Great weather today as well, really nice to sit outside with a pint, contemplating what my next choice will be. Plenty of others obviously had the same idea! Wonderful pub.

14 Sep 2008 18:45

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

Another excellent beer festival (runs until 20 July) and good to see it well supported by Hackney locals as well as the usual beer buffs. Well done to Steve and co.

17 Jul 2008 19:42

The Kings Head, Norwich

This is a traditional two bar pub with an excellent choice of ales. Compared to other renowned free houses in the city, this pub specialises in beers from Norfolk breweries; the exceptions came from across the border in Suffolk and Lincs. Each of the 3 beers I tried were in excellent condition, the landlord was a friendly and knowledgeable bloke. Definitely the best pub I found in Norwich.

20 Jun 2008 21:31

The Dog and Bell, Deptford

Good to see Charlie and Eileen back at the helm; no disrespect to the former licensees but the pub just feels better again (speaking as a very occasional visitor). Superb selection of guest ales on Friday - Red Squirrel mild, Whitstable East India Pale Ale, Dark Star Solstice, all at �2.50 or less. In every way a superb pub.

14 Jun 2008 19:54

The Harp, Covent Garden

Just back from an excellent saturday afternoon session. Sitting by the open front windows meant some good repartee from other drinkers and passers by. Beer selection top class as usual with Otter, Sharp and Bateman ales to go with the standard choices; Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted coming on later meant for a prolonged stay. Service top class as ever.

14 Jun 2008 19:43

The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell

Enjoyed an afternoon visit when it was fairly quiet so you could relax and enjoy the unique surroundings. Good range of ales including a dark mild. IPA was very nice too. Bar staff were friendly and efficient. A must visit pub when it's not too busy.

12 Jun 2008 23:13

The Speaker, Westminster

This excellent pub has 2 milds on during May. Seems to be quite a turnover of these. Last night's milds were from Tring and Buffy's breweries. Quality top class, service very friendly. But it's not cheap.

15 May 2008 14:49

The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

Definitely one of the best pubs in London. First class friendly welcome and service and today no less than 6 Taylor's beers including the rare Havercake Ale plus 2 from Dark Star. Good blues by way of background music. Go along and sign the petition for a bigger cellar!

9 May 2008 17:15

The Harvester, Long Itchington

Returned here for the first time in 14 years - spent a very pleasant evening enjoying excellent Hook Norton and Wye Valley ales and superb value food. Really friendly management helped to make this a highly enjoyable evening.

25 Apr 2008 21:01

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

As ever, the combination of a range of well kept ales and friendly locals makes the Wenlock a real pleasure to visit.

24 Mar 2008 20:39

The Harp, Covent Garden

Paid a return visit on Saturday evening and was made very welcome. Enjoyed Titanic Stout until it was replaced by Saltaire Amarillo Gold which was even nicer! The pub wasn't too crowded and the upstairs room was a pleasant retreat from the bustle outside.

24 Mar 2008 20:38

The Harp, Covent Garden

This excellent pub has just been voted London Pub of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. Excellent beers and superb friendly and efficient service make this a worthy winner.

2 Nov 2007 21:26

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Another excellent beer festival with a good selection of South Yorkshire ales in the upstairs room. The usual selection downstairs is almost a beer fest in itself. Never mind the location, if you enjoy good beer, come here.

27 Oct 2007 21:59

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Another happy afternoon exploring the excellent range of beers in this unpretentious pub. Why don't other London pubs have such a wide and genuine range of ales? Breweries such as Triple fff, York, Pitfield, Mighty Oak, Downton on show, all different styles too. Long may Will and Steve keep it up.

27 Aug 2007 19:55

Dog and Gun, Keswick

My favourite pub in town for both atmosphere and beer - Yates bitter is always a winner but the pub now serves 3 beers from the very local Keswick brewery, which are all worth a try. The goulash is as mighty as ever too.

10 Jul 2007 20:49

The Victoria Hotel, Beeston

Beer selection and quality is second to none here - usually two Castle Rock beers plus others from small breweries with emphasis on local ones. Nice to see plenty of session ales as well. Landlord is a good bloke, staff are friendly and very efficient.

24 Jun 2007 16:09

The Palm Tree, Mile End

Visited early Friday evening. Fairly busy without being crowded. Old fashioned sort of pub (this is meant as a compliment) with two good beers on handpump from Arundel and Wyre Piddle breweries. Friendly and efficient bloke behind the bar and I bumped into an old mate who bought me a pint!

22 Jun 2007 21:13

The Stand Up Inn, Lindfield

Arrived at 4 on a Saturday afternoon - pub was bustling but not packed, friendly greeting and service, and 3 Dark Stars and a guest ale to boot. Really enjoyed my visit and heartily recommend it.

16 Jun 2007 20:40

The Dragon Inn, Worcester

Called in on a Sunday lunchtime and the pub was fairly quiet. However, the range and quality of beers were impressive and the landlord was fairly hospitable.

26 May 2007 21:59

The Navigation Inn, Stoke Prior

Visited at the beginning and end of a week on a canal boat. Very friendly people run this pub who made us very welcome. One or two decent guest ales to complement a fairly standard range. Food was very good and good value as well.

26 May 2007 21:56

The Beartown Tap, Congleton

An essential visit for beer lovers in Cheshire. 5 beers from the Beartown brewery round the corner plus a guest and a selection of Belgian bottled beers. Snug little no smoking area and a little room to drink in upstairs. Just a few minutes from the bus station and town centre.

29 Apr 2007 19:07

The Waters Green Tavern, Macclesfield

No great changes outside or inside - a really good range of ales, mostly from fairly local small breweries. Beer quality usually excellent. Owners and staff are friendly and efficient and there's a good 'locals' buzz about the place.

29 Apr 2007 19:04

The Horseshoe and Castle, Cooling

I got a friendly welcome even though all the other few customers were the owners and cronies. Sadly no Larkins on but the Shepherd Neame bitter was in very good condition. Went down well after a long walk on a hot day!

14 Apr 2007 21:59

The Swan, Little Totham

Paid only my second visit to this wonderful pub this afternoon. Quite simply it's everything a good rural pub should be. Quite lively with a bank holiday crowd but still quiet and relaxing. The beer selection and quality is of the highest order - I was particularly pleased to see a predominence of local brews. Also, beers sereved straight from th cask seem to taste so much fresher. I also had the pleasure of a chat with John, enjoying his retirement at the end of the bar, who's a fine bloke as is his son who's now in charge. I Think it was son's wife buzzing around with food, being very efficient and friendly. There should be more pubs like this.

9 Apr 2007 20:44

The Speaker, Westminster

Very handy for where I work but I never seem to find the time to visit. But I did pop in this evening and was most impressed. Still fairly quiet so easy to sit and relax in a nice quiet pub with the company of fellow workers and tourists. Very pleasant lady behind the bar and excellent ale - there's a mini festival of Scottish beers so I could try Bridge of Allan Stirling bitter and Inveralmond Lia Fail. This has to be the best pub in the area.

15 Mar 2007 19:47

The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch

My first visit today for a couple of years [I had a 'bad experience', now history]. Nice to report the pub is mostly unchanged - and I was a regular here in the mid-80s - and the beer was in good form. Crouch Vale Brewers Gold is a lovely beer.

11 Mar 2007 22:45

The Railway Arms, Alton

I was confused with the pub over the road as well! But the Railway Arms turned out to be a bustling and friendly locals pub with a good selection of Triple fff beers and a guest from the Surrey Hills brewery. Very efficient barmaid and well kept beers and very handy for the station.

10 Mar 2007 21:31

The Dog and Bell, Deptford

A pub I like to visit as often as I can. Good to see it's not changed at all with the beer quality up to scratch. The location may be unpromising but lovers of good beer in surroundings to match won't be disappointed.

5 Mar 2007 19:58

The Royal Oak, Borough

Friday saw a great session with 5 of us enjoying wonderful beer as ever. Mild pale and old were consumed with great enthusiasm all beers on top form.
A quite brilliant pub.

3 Mar 2007 23:20

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

Great range of draught ales on tonight - a mild plus two low gravity bitters and plenty of others. Titanic Stout was very fine. Bar staff really good. The Reading fans seemed to enjoy themselves.

3 Mar 2007 23:13

The Calthorpe Arms, Holborn

Superb pub with mainly local trade but a warm welcome for all. Guvnor Adrian is a top bloke who keeps his beers in fine condition. Youngs may not be what is was but on this form it's as good as many.

28 Feb 2007 20:05

The Prince Blucher, Twickenham

Visited early evening and it could have done with more than one person serving. But Chiswick and London Pride were pleasant enough and the food was good.

28 Feb 2007 20:02

The Halfway House, Edinburgh

The first pub I ever went to in Scotland! Good friendly welcome, good selection of Scots ales and the haggis was ok if obviously microwaved. Very handy for Waverley station (Market Street exit)

24 Feb 2007 21:10

The Coalheavers Arms, Peterborough

Another good locals pub south of the river. Good range of Milton beers plus a few guests. One of those pubs where I felt at home even though it was my first visit.

24 Feb 2007 21:06

The Palmerston Arms, Peterborough

Absolutely wonderful pub. A genuine community pub with a warm welcome for non locals like me. A great selection of beers served straight from the cask - I had Batemans mild and Castle Rock Harvest Pale today and both were superb. Why aren't there more pubs like this?

24 Feb 2007 21:03

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Called in this afternoon to find there was a mini beer festival with some very obscure brews from new breweries, all in superb condition. As usual a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, as you would expect from a pub full of dedicated ale drinkers.

17 Feb 2007 19:34

The Royal Oak, Borough

Maybe I'm biased as I use this pub quite regularly but I think it's one of the best anywhere. The draught beers are lovingly looked after and therefore always in top condition; the staff are friendly and efficient and the food is good and substantial. My only complaint is perhaps that it's become too popular - but it deserves it.

30 Dec 2006 21:19

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

This pub should be visited by all lovers of genuine pubs as well as beer lovers. I can't understand the point of going to a faceless, charmless chain pub when there are gems like this around. A superb and genuine beer range (always a mild), friendly staff and management, locals are fairly tame. I love this place.

23 Dec 2006 20:37

The Harp, Covent Garden

This pub can get very crowded but the service is second to none - friendy and efficient. Always nice to go to a pub where the people serving seem to genuinely care about what they're doing. Beer range pretty good too: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted was on top form last night. By far the best bet in the area.

22 Dec 2006 17:40

The Vine (Bull & Bladder), Brierley Hill

This is a pub that any lover of good beer and classic pubs must visit. Quite simply it's a gem - both beer and food are excellent value. Only downer for me was the toerag who parked a 4 x 4 in front, preventing me from getting a decent photo!

25 Nov 2006 12:05

The Crown, Oakengates

I really enjoyed my visit here - excellent choice of well kept ales. John is a very friendly landlord who knows what he's doing. Just a pity the pub's such a long way from home.

25 Nov 2006 12:02

The Market Porter, Borough

OK so this pub sells a big range of draught ales - extremely commendable but...how do you find out what is available at any time? I suggested to the previous manager more than once that a board showing the beers + strength + price would be very useful for the customer, but neither he nor the present incumbent have taken this on board - so you have to walk down the bar looking over people's shoulders. This strikes me as a strange approach on the part of the owners and indicated why the Wenlock, for instance, is a far superior pub. If you're in the area why not walk down to the Royal Oak and be treated with respect?

11 Nov 2006 20:20

The Market Porter, Borough

This must be one of the most over rated pubs in London. It may well have a wide range of ales but how are you supposed to find out what is on at any time? I suggested more than once to the previous manager that a board listing the available beers (with abv, prices) would be a great benefit to the customer but neither he nor the current incumbent seems to want to take on this very basic idea. Instead, you have to walk along the bar, peering over people's shoulders to try and make your selection. The Wenlock Arms has respect for its clientele and has an easy to read board prominently displayed. Until the MP follows suit I won't be visiting.

6 Nov 2006 22:47

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

Pembury Tavern has been voted London Pub of the Year by SPBW - a great accolade given the calibre of previous winners. A tribute to the excellent range of well kept ales plus friendly and efficient service. And it's a real pub with no tv or electronic devices.

4 Nov 2006 23:25

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Just back from beer festival. In fact the pub is a decent enough beer festival on a normal day, but a few extra ales on cider to make it even better than usual. Here you get a genuine range of beers from a mild through session and premium beers and dark ales. Plus friendly people behind the bar. No serious drinker should miss out.

28 Oct 2006 23:33

The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

With its location and well preserved interior this has the potential to be a really good pub. But what a totally uninspired selection of draught ales and lousy atmosphere. Not one I intend to visit again in a hurry.

28 Oct 2006 11:33

The Bricklayers Arms, Putney

Paid my second visit today - very quiet for a Saturday afternoon but the barlady was very friendly, beer was excellent and the pub seems comfortable and relaxed. Apparently the beer range is to be extended. Wrong side of town for me but probably the best pub in the area.

14 Oct 2006 19:16

The Calthorpe Arms, Holborn

Poor old Stus.search.4.mild. What a long and largely fruitless task you have in London. But surely you must have realised that Youngs haven't brewed a mild for almost 30 years, so why expect any, unless you enjoy wasting your time. I enjoy a pint of mild and will drink it when I can - but the Calthorpe is a pleasant and friendly pub serving Youngs bitters in good condition and that'll do me.

12 Oct 2006 20:25

The Pembury Tavern, Hackney

This pub is really finding its feat now and people are beginning to discover what a fine place this is. The best selection of draught ales for miles and a genuinely varied range as well. People behind the bar are friendly and efficient and the food's good.

12 Oct 2006 20:21

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